chapter 13

Aarav is watching TV. Suddenly, Shalini's mobile phone rings. 'Arif calling .......' displays on the screen.'Shalini, Arif is calling.' Aarav calls out Shalini.'Please pick up the call, and tell him I will call him later if nothing is so urgent.' Shalini is busy making dinner. So she asks Aarav to pick up Arif's call.'Hello!' At first, Arif was startled when he heard 'Hello' from a male voice on the other side of the phone, then he thought it might be Aarav.'Hello, Aarav?''Yes. Actually, Shalini is busy, so she has asked me to attend your call if anything is urgent.''Sorry for disturbing you so late. I have been talking to Shalini for some time but never to you. I thought I would thank you personally when I met you. Now that we're talking, I want to thank you for everything you've done for Fiza.''I have done nothing. I have probably done less than what you would have done if you were here.'You and I are not the same in Fiza's life. Arif says inwardly.'Are you coming?' 'No, not now. But I will come soon.''I would love to meet you in person.'Shalini is surprised to hear Aarav and Arif talking on the phone for so long. She washes her hands and comes to Aarav. 'Shalini has come. Now you talk to her.' Seeing Shalini, Aarav gives the phone to her.Shalini takes the phone and goes back to the kitchen.Aarav starts watching TV again.After some time, Shalini serves dinner.'I think Arif is a nice guy.' Aarav starts the conversation.'I had told you before, but you didn't listen to me. Fiza will be happy with him.''I never said Arif is not good. I had just said even if Arif is good, that doesn't mean Fiza has to marry him. It's her choice whom she would marry. I only told you not to force her. (Pause) But, what did Arif say?''He had asked to go to Fiza's flat and meet her there.''Why does he insist on going to her flat?''Arif doubts she is not taking her medicines and is hiding something?''It is not necessary that she has to share everything with everyone. It's the reason why Fiza runs away from Arif. You have to understand, too much interference makes things suffocating.''I don't interfere.'Both keep quiet for a while, and then Shalini starts the conversation again.'Can we go to Fiza's place tomorrow?''Yes, we can, but confirm if she is free tomorrow.''Tomorrow is a holiday. Why won't she be free?''She might have a plan.''She lives alone, and she doesn't have any friends here. Where will she go alone?'She may feel like sleeping the whole day.''Who sleeps the whole day?'Being annoyed, Aarav says, 'Shalini, stop guessing. If you want to go to her flat, call her and confirm if she will be at home. It's a courtesy.'Like every night, Fiza sits on the balcony watching the night city. Her mobile beeps. "Hey, if you are awake, please call." Shalini has messaged.Fiza calls Shalini.'Thank God you are awake.' Shalini says with excitement.'Is everything okay?''Yes, yes, everything is fine. Actually, we are thinking of coming to your place tomorrow. Will you be at home?''Yes, I will be at home. We will have lunch at my home. Don't plan any outing with me.''Okay, dear.''See you tomorrow.''Good night.'Like every other day, Fiza wakes up early in the morning. She arranges her flat neatly. Should I hide the painting equipment? Fiza thought.'You can keep those. But, you should hide my photo.' Aman says.'She knows about you.''But, she won't believe it.'Fiza thinks something and hides Aman's photo.Fiza finishes all her household chores and waits for Shalini. Her phone rings. "Maa calling ....' displays on the screen. Being busy since morning, Fiza could not call her mother.'Sorry, Maa, I couldn't call you.''It's okay, beta. I saw your message. Have you finished cooking?''Yes, Maa, I have finished all my work and am waiting for Shalini and Aarav.''What have you cooked?' 'Dal, potato fry, mixed vegetables, paneer and chutney.'Shabana feels happy as Fiza is happy in her new life. After some regular conversation, Fiza hangs up the phone.After some time, the doorbell rings. Shalini and Aarav have come. Shalini and Aarav get surprised when they enter the flat. Fiza has decorated it so nicely that no one will believe that Fiza stays alone in the flat. Fiza has decorated the flat with eco-friendly things - earthen flower vases, jute wall decor, and bamboo light shades. The decoration of her flat reflects her taste and preferences.The rhythmic sound of wind chimes makes the atmosphere of the room pleasant.While Fiza gets busy making tea for Shalini and Aarav, they look around the flat. Shalini searches all the drawers and cabinets of her bedroom.Aarav feels embarrassed by Shalini's actions. He says rudely, 'What are you doing?''I am looking for her medicine.''What will you do with it?''She is under medication. Arif thinks she has stopped taking her medicines.''What you are doing is spying; ask her directly.'But Shalini doesn't listen to him. She keeps on searching. Being annoyed, Aarav comes out of the bedroom. Fiza serves him tea and calls out Shalini.'You have decorated your flat nicely. When do you get the time?' Aarav asks.'I try to make full use of whatever time I get after office.''Wind chimes are beautiful. Where did you buy it from?' Shalini asks.'I bought them online.''Good choice.' Aarav is impressed by her choices.'What is there in the other room?' Shalini enquiries.Fiza gets nervous but pulls herself together and says, 'It's a storeroom.''Can I see it?' Aarav is annoyed by Shalini's behavior,' What is there to see in the storeroom? Let's enjoy tea and chat.'But, as Shalini insists, Fiza takes her to the other room. Some beautiful paintings with Aman's signature below are hanging on the walls. There is a painting on the canvas board too. It seems to be drawn by a novice artist. Shalini notices that it also has Aman's signature, but the signature looks different.'Are you painting these days?' Shalini asks, pointing to the canvas board. 'Yes, just trying new things.'If she painted this, why did she sign Aman? Shalini thought.(Continued .... )